Flexible compartment design on autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet comprising a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles coordinated by a fleet management module. Each vehicle may be configured to receive a modular unit, wherein the modular unit is configured to secure a consumer product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/538,538, filed on Jul. 28, 2017, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application alsoclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/046,967, filedJul. 26, 2018 and entitled “Flexible Compartment Design on Autonomousand Semi-autonomous Vehicle,” which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles is a growing fieldof innovation. Vehicles are being used for many purposes includingwarehouse inventory operations, household operations, hospitaldeliveries, sanitation, and military or defense applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet comprising a plurality of vehicles, in particular vehicles fortransporting or retrieving deliveries in either unstructured outdoorenvironment or closed environments.

Current manned delivery systems, platforms, and methods are expensiveand inefficient, mainly due to the need for human drivers. Further, manycurrent manned delivery means are configured for delivery andpreservation of a single product. Although many additional restaurantsand vendors seek to provide delivery service for their customers,specialized and dedicated delivery services to sufficiently maintain thequality of a food or beverage item, is cost prohibitive. Further,without a dedicated delivery vehicle for each restaurant, current manneddelivery vehicles are unable to stock additional items for on-deliverysupplemental orders. Additionally, current manned delivery systems areoften configured to securely hold and transport one specific item, or tohold and transport a variety of items in an unsecure fashion.

One aspect provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomous landvehicle configured to receive a modular unit, the vehicle comprising: anenergy storage device; a communication device; an autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system; a vehicle interior fastenerconfigured to reversibly affix the modular unit to the vehicle; anon-transitory computer-readable storage media encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising: a navigation module receiving at least alocation via the communication device and directing the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system based at least on the location;and a transmission module transmitting an output data, receiving aninput data, or both, via the communication device, to a command center;and at least one of: a vehicle power port configured to transmit powerfrom the energy storage device to the modular unit; a vehicle data portcommunicatively connecting the modular unit and the transmission module;a vehicle temperature control system, a cooling port, and a heating portconfigured to heat the modular unit, cool the modular unit, or both; anda vehicle exhaust port configured to receive an exhaust from the modularunit.

In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a cellularcommunication device, a satellite communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle data portcomprises a wired data interface, a Wi-Fi communication device, aBluetooth communication device, a cellular communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastenercomprises a hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, abolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, amagnet, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehiclefurther comprises a plurality of vehicle interior fasteners, theplurality of vehicle interior fasteners comprising a first vehicleinterior fastener configured to reversibly affix a first type of modularunit and a second vehicle interior fastener configured to reversiblyaffix a second type of modular unit. In some embodiments, the vehicleinterior fastener comprises at least one of the vehicle power port, thevehicle data port, the vehicle cooling/heating port, and the vehicleexhaust port. In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises a lockconfigured to prevent unauthorized removal of the modular unit from thevehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastener comprisesthe lock. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to receive twoor more modular units. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured toreceive 3 to 25 modular units. In some embodiments, the modular unit isconfigured to secure a consumer product. In some embodiments, theconsumer product comprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronicsitem, a clothing item, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the vehicle data port receives data from at least one sensor configuredto measure a sensed data corresponding to the modular unit. In someembodiments, the input data comprises a modular unit temperature target,a modular unit display data, a modular unit indicator data, a modularunit access data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theoutput data comprises a presence of a consumer product secured by themodular unit, a modular unit access status, a current modular unittemperature, a modular unit stock, a modular unit type, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises aninterior compartment, and wherein the vehicle interior fastener isconfigured to reversibly affix the modular unit within the interiorcompartment. In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises apermanently fixed modular unit.

Another aspect provided herein is a modular unit configured to beremovably disposed within an autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehiclecomprising: a modular unit fastener configured to reversibly attach tothe vehicle; and at least one of: a modular unit power port configuredto receive power from the vehicle; a modular unit data port configuredto receive an input data from the vehicle, transmit an output data tothe vehicle, or both; a modular unit cooling/heating port configured toreceive heat from the vehicle, receive cooling from the vehicle, orboth; and a modular unit exhaust port configured to emit an exhaust tothe vehicle.

In some embodiments, the modular unit fastener comprises a hook, a ring,a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, a bolt, a nut, a bearing, abushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, a magnet, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit fastener comprises atleast one of the modular unit power port, the modular unit data port,the modular unit cooling/heating port, and the modular unit exhaustport. In some embodiments, the modular unit power port comprises a jack,an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wireless power transfer unit, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit data portcomprises a jack, an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wired data interface, aWi-Fi communication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a cellularcommunication device, or any combination thereof.

Another aspect provided herein is a reconfigurable autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle system comprising: a modular unit comprising amodular unit fastener and at least one of: a modular unit power port; amodular unit data port; a modular unit cooling/heating port; and amodular unit exhaust port; and an autonomous or semi-autonomous landvehicle comprising: an energy storage device; a communication device; anautonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system; a vehicle interiorfastener configured to reversibly affix the modular unit to the vehicle;a non-transitory computer-readable storage media encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising: a navigation module receiving at least alocation via the communication device and directing the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system based at least on the location;and a transmission module transmitting an output data, receiving aninput data, or both, via the communication device, to a command center;and at least one of: a vehicle power port configured to transmit powerto the modular unit power port; a vehicle data port communicativelyconnected to the modular unit data port; a vehicle temperature controlsystem, a cooling port, and a heating port configured to heat themodular unit, cool the modular unit, or both, via the modular unitcooling/heating port; and a vehicle exhaust port configured to receivean exhaust from the modular unit exhaust port.

In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a cellularcommunication device, a satellite communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle data portcomprises a wired data interface, a Wi-Fi communication device, aBluetooth communication device, a cellular communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastenercomprises a hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, abolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, amagnet, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehiclefurther comprises a plurality of vehicle interior fasteners, theplurality of vehicle interior fasteners comprising a first vehicleinterior fastener configured to reversibly affix a first type of modularunit and a second vehicle interior fastener configured to reversiblyaffix a second type of modular unit. In some embodiments, the vehicleinterior fastener comprises at least one of the vehicle power port, thevehicle data port, the vehicle cooling/heating port, and the vehicleexhaust port. In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises a lockconfigured to prevent unauthorized removal of the modular unit from thevehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastener comprisesthe lock. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to receive twoor more modular units. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured toreceive 3 to 25 modular units. In some embodiments, the modular unit isconfigured to secure a consumer product. In some embodiments, theconsumer product comprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronicsitem, a clothing item, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the vehicle data port receives data from at least one sensor configuredto measure a sensed data corresponding to the modular unit. In someembodiments, the input data comprises a modular unit temperature target,a modular unit display data, a modular unit indicator data, a modularunit access data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theoutput data comprises a presence of a consumer product secured by themodular unit, a modular unit access status, a current modular unittemperature, a modular unit stock, a modular unit type, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises aninterior compartment, and wherein the vehicle interior fastener isconfigured to reversibly affix the modular unit within the interiorcompartment. In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises apermanently fixed modular unit. In some embodiments, the modular unitfastener comprises a hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, aslide, a bolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, arack, a magnet, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, themodular unit fastener comprises at least one of the modular unit powerport, the modular unit data port, the modular unit cooling/heating port,and the modular unit exhaust port. In some embodiments, the modular unitpower port comprises a jack, an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wirelesspower transfer unit, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the modular unit data port comprises a jack, an outlet, a cord, a cable,a wired data interface, a Wi-Fi communication device, a Bluetoothcommunication device, a cellular communication device, or anycombination thereof.

Another aspect provided herein is a vehicle fleet comprising a pluralityof autonomous vehicles operating autonomously and/or semi-autonomouslyand a fleet management module, associated with a central server forcoordination of the vehicle fleet; the fleet management moduleconfigured to coordinate the activity and positioning of each autonomousvehicle in the fleet, wherein the fleet is configured for transporting,delivering or retrieving goods or services and capable of operating inan unstructured open or closed environments; each autonomous vehicle inthe fleet comprising: a power system, a conveyance system; (e.g., adrive system with a propulsion engine, wheels, treads, wings, rotors,blowers, rockets, propellers, brakes, etc.); a navigation module fornavigation in the unstructured open or closed environments; (e.g.,digital maps, HD maps, GPS); a communication module configurable toreceive, store and send data to the fleet management module, a user, andthe autonomous vehicles in the fleet, related to at least; userinteractions and the vehicle fleet interactions, comprising: scheduledrequests or orders, on-demand requests or orders, or a need forself-positioning of the vehicle fleet based on anticipated demand withinthe unstructured open or closed environments; a sensor system, at leastone securable compartment or a plurality of securable compartments tohold said goods or items associated with said services; and a controllerconfigurable to associate each one of the at least one or plurality ofsecurable compartments to an assignable customer, or customer group in amarketplace, or provider and provide entry when authorized; at least oneprocessor configured to manage the conveyance system, the navigationmodule, the sensor system, instructions from the fleet managementmodule, the communication module, and the controller.

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedgeographic region accessible by navigable pathways comprising: publicroads; private roads; bike paths; open fields; open public lands; openprivate lands; pedestrian walkways; lakes; rivers; streams; or openairspace. In some embodiments, each vehicle fleet is configured with amaximum speed range from 1.0 mph to 90.0 mph.

In some embodiments, the closed environment is a confined, enclosed orsemi-enclosed structure accessible by navigable pathways comprising:open areas or rooms within commercial architecture, with or withoutstructures or obstacles therein; airspace within open areas or roomswithin commercial architecture, with or without structures or obstaclestherein; public or dedicated aisles; hallways; tunnels; ramps;elevators; conveyors; or pedestrian walkways.

In some embodiments, the navigation module controls routing of theconveyance system of the autonomous vehicles in the fleet in theunstructured open or closed environments. In some embodiments, thecommunication to the user, to the autonomous vehicles in the fleet,between the autonomous vehicles of the fleet, and between the user andthe autonomous vehicles in the fleet, occurs via wireless transmission.In some embodiments, the user comprises a fleet manager; asub-contracting vendor; a service provider; a customer; a businessentity; an individual; or a third party.

In some embodiments, the user's wireless transmission interactions andthe vehicle fleet wireless transmission interactions occur via mobileapplication transmitted by an electronic device and forwarded to thecommunication module via: a central server; a fleet management module;and/or a mesh network.

In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises: a phone; apersonal mobile device; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a mainframecomputer; a desktop computer; a laptop computer; a tablet computer;and/or wearable computing device comprising: a communication headset;smart glasses; a contact lens or lenses; a digital watch; a bracelet; aring; jewelry; or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the plurality of securable compartments isconfigurable for a plurality of goods. Such configurations and goodscomprise: bookshelves for books; thin drawers for documents; largerbox-like drawers for packages, and sized compartments for vendingmachines, coffee makers, pizza ovens and dispensers. In someembodiments, the plurality of securable compartments is variablyconfigurable based on: anticipated demands; patterns of behaviors; areaof service; or types of goods to be transported. In some embodiments,the plurality of securable compartments is humidity and temperaturecontrolled for: hot goods, cold goods, wet goods, dry goods, orcombinations or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the servicescomprise: subscription services; prescription services; marketingservices; advertising services; notification services; a mobilemarketplace; or requested, ordered or scheduled delivery services. Inparticular embodiments, the scheduled delivery services include, by wayof example, special repeat deliveries such as groceries, prescriptions,drinks, mail, documents, etc. In some embodiments, the services furthercomprise: the user receiving and returning the same or similar goodswithin the same interaction; (e.g., signed documents); the userreceiving one set of goods and returning a different set of goods withinthe same interaction; (e.g., product replacement/returns, groceries,merchandise, books, recording, videos, movies, payment transactions,etc.); a third party user providing instruction and or authorization toa goods or service provider to prepare, transport, deliver and/orretrieve goods to a principle user in a different location. In someembodiments, the services further comprise: general services, (e.g.,picking up a user's dry cleaning, dropping off a user's dry cleaning,renting goods, (such as tools, DVDs, etc.), sharing/borrowing goods fromother users or businesses, etc.). Further still, it may be a generalpickup service for items to be shipped, returned, or sent to otherusers/businesses, etc.

In some embodiments, at least one autonomous vehicle in the fleet isfurther configured to process or manufacture goods. In some embodiments,the processed or manufactured goods comprise: beverages, etc., with orwithout condiments; (e.g., coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, etc.); aplurality of fast foods; or microwavable foods.

In some embodiments, the vehicle fleet further comprises at least oneautonomous vehicle having a digital display for curated contentcomprising: advertisements (i.e., for both specific user and generalpublic), including; services provided, marketing/promotion,regional/location of areas served, customer details, local environment,lost, sought or detected people, public service announcements, date,time, or weather.

In some embodiments of the vehicle fleet, the positioning of autonomousvehicles may be customized based on: anticipated use, a pattern ofhistorical behaviors, or specific goods being carried. In someembodiments, the vehicle fleet is fully-autonomous. In some embodiments,the vehicle fleet is semi-autonomous. In some embodiments, the vehiclefleet is controlled directly by the user. In some embodiments of thevehicle fleet, a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles within the fleet is operated on behalf of third partyvendor/service provider; (e.g., fleet managed by an owner, but providinga coffee service/experience for a third party vendor (i.e., Starbucks)with white label vehicles in the fleet). In some embodiments of thevehicle fleet, a plurality of said autonomous vehicles within the fleetis further configured to be part of a sub-fleet comprising asub-plurality of autonomous vehicles, wherein each sub-fleet isconfigured to operate independently or in tandem with multiplesub-fleets comprising two or more sub-fleets.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary vehicle fleet, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an perspective view of an exemplary autonomous vehiclecomprising a plurality of compartments, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 3 is an front view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle beside awalking person, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an right side view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an left side view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle beside anaverage person, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an rear view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary food delivery autonomousvehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary pizza delivery autonomousvehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary coffee delivery autonomousvehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary meal delivery autonomousvehicle comprising a lighted interior, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of another exemplary autonomous vehicle,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary fleet control system, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary fleet control module, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a non-limiting schematic diagram of a digital processingdevice; in this case, a device with one or more CPUs, a memory, acommunication interface, and a display, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 15 is a non-limiting schematic diagram of a web/mobile applicationprovision system; in this case, a system providing browser-based and/ornative mobile user interfaces, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a non-limiting schematic diagram of a cloud-based web/mobileapplication provision system; in this case, a system comprising anelastically load balanced, auto-scaling web server and applicationserver resources as well synchronously replicated databases, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary autonomous vehicleconfigured to receive a modular unit, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary autonomous vehicle withmodular units, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19A is a front perspective view of an exemplary first modular unit,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19B is a back perspective view of an exemplary first modular unit,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19C is a front perspective view of an exemplary second modularunit, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 19D is a back perspective view of an exemplary second modular unit,in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet comprising a plurality of autonomous vehicles, for transporting orretrieving deliveries in either open unstructured outdoor environmentsor closed environments.

Provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicleconfigured to receive a modular unit.

Currently, dedicated custom-made manned vehicles are used for specificuse cases. Manned vehicles with cooling systems have been used todeliver fresh cool produce. Such dedicated custom vehicles, however, areunable to simultaneously deliver different items. Alternatively,delivery services that use generic unmodified vehicles are able tosimultaneously deliver a wide array of items, but are not configured foroptimal delivery of temperature or motion sensitive items.

By contrast, the reconfigurable autonomous vehicle herein may be easilymodified to carry different types of removable display cases to enableoptimal transport and delivery of various items. The reconfigurableautonomous vehicle herein may be configured to provide optimal deliveryof various items without interaction or maintenance by a human driver.Further, the reconfigurable autonomous vehicle may be employed forlonger operating hours per day than human drivers, whereby facilereconfigurability ensures optimal utilization throughout the day and/ornight.

Fleet of Autonomous Vehicles

Provided herein, per FIG. 1, is a vehicle fleet 100, comprising aplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101.

In some embodiments, one or more of the vehicles 101 in the vehiclefleet 100 are autonomous. In some embodiments, one or more of thevehicles 101 in the vehicle fleet 100 are autonomous. In someembodiments the semi-autonomous vehicles 101 can be manually controllerby an operator. Manual override may be required to, for example, addressnavigation malfunctions, provider inventory issues, or unanticipatedtraffic, mechanical failure, electrical failure, traffic accident, androad conditions. In some embodiments of the plurality of autonomousvehicles 101 within the fleet 100 is operated on behalf of third partyvendor or service provider. The third party vendor or service providermay comprise a food and beverage provider.

In some embodiments, one or more of the vehicles 101 within the vehiclefleet 100 are configured to be part of a sub-fleet 100 a that operatesindependently or in tandem with other sub-fleets 100 a. In one example,the sub-fleet 100 a of vehicles 101 may only provide a product, service,or level of service associated with a single vendor. Each of thevehicles 101 in the sub-fleet 100 a may display a logo of the vendor oran alternative indicator representing the specific product, service, orlevel of service associated with that vehicle 101. Levels of service mayinclude immediate dedicated rush service, guaranteed morning/afternoondelivery service, and general delivery service. Some sub-fleets 100 amay offer a faster or more prioritized service than other sub-fleets 100a.

Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, the vehicle 101 may comprise an autonomousor semi-autonomous automobile configured for land travel. The vehicle101 may have a width, a height, and a length, wherein the length isabout 2 feet to about 5 feet. The vehicle 101 may be lightweight andhave a low center of gravity for increased stability. The vehicle 101may be configurable for land, water, or air. The vehicle 101 maycomprise a land vehicle such as, for example, a car, a wagon, a van, atricycle, a truck, a trailer, a bus, a train, or a tram. The vehicle 101may comprise a watercraft such as, for example, a ship, a boat, a ferry,a landing craft, a barge, a rafts, a hovercraft, or any combinationthereof. Alternatively, the vehicle 101 may comprise an aircraft or aspacecraft.

Each vehicle 101 in the fleet may comprise an autonomous propulsionsystem 130 comprising a drive system, a propulsion engine, a wheel, atreads, a wing, a rotor, a blower, a rocket, a propeller, a brake, orany combination thereof.

In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle 101 comprises a land vehicleconfigured with a traditional 4-wheeled automotive configurationcomprising conventional steering and braking systems. In thisembodiment, the drive train may be configurable for standard 2-wheeldrive or 4-wheel all-terrain traction drive, and the propulsion systemmay be configurable as a gas engine, a turbine engine, an electricmotor, and/or a hybrid gas/electric engine.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured for water travel as awatercraft with a propulsion system comprising a gas engine, a turbineengine, an electric motor and/or a hybrid gas/electric engine, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configuredfor hover travel as an over-land or over-water hovercraft or anair-cushion vehicle (ACV) and is configured with blowers to produce alarge volume of air below the hull that is slightly above atmosphericpressure. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured for airtravel as an aerial drone or aerial hovercraft and is configured withwings, rotors, blowers, rockets, and/or propellers and an appropriatebrake system.

The vehicle 101 may further comprise an auxiliary solar power system toprovide back-up emergency power or power for minor low-powersub-systems. In some embodiments, each vehicle of the vehicle fleet isconfigured with one or more power sources, such as battery, solar,gasoline, or propane. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 furthercomprises a digital display for curated content comprisingadvertisements, marketing promotions, a public service notification, anemergency notification, or any combination thereof.

Each vehicle 101 in the fleet 100 may comprise a sensor systemcomprising a plurality of onboard sensors such as, for example, acamera, a video camera, a LiDAR, a radar, an ultrasonic sensor, and amicrophone. Each vehicle 101 may further comprise an internal computerfor real time navigation and obstacle avoidance, based on the datareceived by the sensors.

In some embodiments, the vehicles may further comprise an autonomouspropulsion system sensor configured to monitor drive mechanismperformance (e.g., the propulsion engine), power system levels (e.g.,battery, solar, gasoline, propane, etc.), monitor drive trainperformance (e.g., transmission, tires, brakes, rotors, etc.), or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is further configured to process ormanufacture a good. In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured toprocess or manufacture the good in-transit. In some embodiments, theprocessed or manufactured good comprises: a beverage with or withoutcondiments (such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, etc.), a fast food,a microwavable food, a reheatable food, or a rehydratable food. In someembodiments, the vehicle is equipped for financial transactions throughdebit or credit card readers.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 has a driving speed of about 1 mileper hour (mph) to about 90 mph, to accommodate inner-city, residential,and intrastate or interstate driving. In some embodiments, the vehicle101 is configured for land travel. In some embodiments, each vehicle 101in the fleet is configured with a working speed range from 13.0 mph to45.0 mph. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured with amaximum speed range from 13.0 mph to about 90.0 mph. In someembodiments, vehicle 101 is configured for water travel as a watercraftand is configured with a working speed range from 1.0 mph to 45.0 mph.In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured for hover travel asan over-land or over-water hovercraft and is configured with a workingspeed range from 1.0 mph to 60.0 mph. In some embodiments, the vehicle101 is configured for air travel as an aerial drone or aerial hovercraftand is configured with a working speed range from 1.0 mph to 80.0 mph.

Primary and Secondary Compartments

Provided herein, per FIG. 2, is an autonomous vehicle 101 comprising aplurality of compartments 102, 104. In some embodiments, the autonomousvehicle 101 comprises a primary compartment 102 and a secondarycompartment 104 within the primary compartment 102. In some embodiments,the plurality of compartments are non-modular. In other embodiments,some of the compartments are modular while the other compartments arenon-modular. In some embodiments, the plurality of compartments may behumidity and/or temperature controlled for: hot goods, cold goods, wetgoods, dry goods, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, theplurality of securable compartments is configurable for a plurality ofgoods. Exemplary compartments and goods comprise: bookshelves for books;thin drawers for documents; larger box-like drawers for packages; andsized compartments for vending machines, embedded coffee makers, pizzaovens, and dispensers. In some embodiments, the plurality of securablecompartments may be configured and reconfigured based on: anticipateddemands, patterns of behaviors, area of service, the types of goods tobe transported, or any combination thereof. Alternately, thecompartments may be configured to contain a set of goods to form amobile marketplace (similar to a mini bar at a hotel).

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the compartment may comprise variousadditional amenities such as lights for night deliveries, condimentdispensers, and display screens.

Provided herein, per FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, is a reconfigurableautonomous vehicle 101 for displaying and vending an item 1100 to aconsumer comprising a plurality of removable display cases 1110, anautonomous propulsion system, and a non-transitory computer-readablestorage media encoded with a computer program including instructionsexecutable by a processor to create an application.

In some embodiments, each display case 1110 comprises the item 1100, adisplay fastener 1120 and at least one of: a temperature control systemconfigured to maintain a target temperature within the removable displaycase 1110; a display screen 1130 configured to display a case media; anda vending device 1140 configured to vend the item 1100. In someembodiments, the autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises a vehicleinterior fastener configured to removably affix the display fastener1120. The autonomous vehicle 101 may further comprise an energy storagedevice configured to provide energy to the removable display case 1110.In some embodiments, the energy storage device is further configured toprovide power to the autonomous propulsion system, the display, thevending device, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the application comprises a transmission moduleconfigured to receive an instruction from a fleet management module; theinstruction comprising a route, and at least one of the targettemperature and the case media; and a command module configured tocommunicate at least one of the target temperature and the case media tothe removable display case 1110, and a navigation module configured todirect the autonomous propulsion system based on the route. In someembodiments, the command module is configured to communicate the targettemperature, the media, or both to the removable case through acommunication hub. In some embodiments, the communication hub comprisesa Wi-Fi router, a Bluetooth router, a cellular network, a jack, anoutlet, a wire, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theroute comprises a location of the consumer.

In some embodiments, the display fastener 1120 comprises a hook, a ring,a shelf, a bar, a spring, a bolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, aclip, a chain, a rack, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the vehicle interior fastener comprises a hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar,a spring, a bolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, arack, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the case media is based on the item 1100, thetarget temperature, the route, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises a screenconfigured to display a vehicular media. In some embodiments, thevehicular media comprises the item, the target temperature, the media,the route, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises a lockconfigured to prevent unauthorized removal of the display case from theautonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one of the vehicleinterior fastener and the display fastener comprise the lock. In someembodiments, the autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises a strainrelief configured to prevent damage to the autonomous vehicle, thedisplay case, the energy storage device the autonomous propulsionsystem, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises atleast one of a power outlet, a data port, and an exhaust port. The poweroutlet may be configured to provide one or more power ratings toremovable display case 1110 to power the display screen and/or anyadditional electrical components within the removable display case 1110.The data port may enable data transmission to and/or from the removabledisplay case 1110 and transmission module and the command module. Thedata may comprise a stock of items within the removable display case1110, a current temperature removable display case 1110, the case media,a price associated with the item 1100, or any combination thereof.

At least one of the autonomous vehicle and the compartment may comprisea controller configured to associate each one of the plurality ofsecurable compartments 102, 104 to an assigned customer or provider andprovide entry to the securable compartments 102, 104 upon authorization.Each securable compartment 102, 104 may be secured separately totransport goods to separate sets of customers. As such, the autonomousvehicle may deliver a first good or service to a first assigned customerfrom within a first securable compartment 102 and then deliver a secondgood or service to a second assigned customer from within the secondsecurable compartment 104.

Upon arrival of the autonomous vehicle to the customer destination, thecustomer may open their respective compartment(s) by verifying theiridentity. In one embodiment, the customer verifies their identity byproviding a PIN (e.g., 4 digit number) via a touchscreen or a keypadwithin the autonomous vehicle, which they received upon initialrequest/order. The customer may verify themselves using their mobilephone and an RFID reader on the autonomous vehicle. Alternatively, thecustomer is verified through voice recognition of a keyword orkey-phrase, wherein the autonomous vehicle comprises a microphone and avoice recognition application for recognition thereof. Further, inanother embodiment, the customer is verified through facial oridentification recognition, wherein the autonomous vehicle comprises acamera and a facial recognition application for recognition thereof.Additionally or alternatively, the customer is verified through amagnetic strip, RFID key or any other computer readable form ofidentification. Finally, in another embodiment, the customer is verifiedby entering a code or identification value on their mobile device,wherein the autonomous vehicle receives a cellular signal comprising aconfirmation of the user or data related to the code of identificationof the user.

In some embodiments, the vehicle could be configured for water travel,providing at least one and preferably two large storage compartments,and more preferably, at least one large compartment is configured with aplurality of smaller internal secure compartments of variableconfigurations to carry individual items that are to be delivered to, orneed to be retrieved from customers. Further still, in some embodiments,the vehicle could be configured for hover travel, providing at least oneand preferably two large storage compartments, and more preferably, atleast one large compartment is configured with a plurality of smallerinternal secure compartments of variable configurations to carryindividual items that are to be delivered to, or need to be retrievedfrom customers. Further still, in some embodiments, the vehicle could beconfigured for aerial drone or aerial hover travel, providing at leastone and preferably two large storage compartments, and more preferably,at least one large compartment is configured with a plurality of smallerinternal secure compartments of variable configurations to carryindividual items that are to be delivered to, or need to be retrievedfrom customers.

Fleet Management Module

Provided herein, per FIG. 12, is a system for fleet managementcomprising a fleet management module 1201, a central server 1202, avehicle 1204, a customer 1203, and a service provider 1205. In someembodiments, the fleet management module 1201 coordinates, assignstasks, and monitors the position of each of the plurality of vehicles1204 in the fleet. The fleet management module 1201 may coordinate thevehicles 1204 in the fleet to monitor and collect data regardingunstructured open or closed environments, and report to the serviceprovider 1205. As seen, the fleet management module 1201 may coordinatewith a central server 1202. The central server 1202 may be located in acentral operating facility owned or managed by the fleet owner. Theservice provider 1205 may comprise a third party provider of a good orservice. The service provider 1205 may comprise a vendor, a business, arestaurant, a delivery service, a retailer, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the fleet management module 1201 is configured toreceive, store and transmit data to and/or from the service provider1205. The fleet management module 1201 may receive and transmit data toand/or from the service provider 1205 via a service providerapplication. In some embodiments, the service provider applicationcomprises a computer application, an internet application, a tabletapplication, a phone application, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the central server 1202 is configured to receive,store and transmit data to and/or from the customer 1203. The centralserver 1202 may receive and transmit data to and/or from the customer1203 via a customer application. In some embodiments, the customerapplication comprises a computer application, an internet application, atablet application, a phone application, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 1204 comprises a memory device to storethe data for future data transfer or manual download.

In one example, an order by a customer 1203 is transmitted to a centralserver 1202, which then communicates with the fleet management module1201, which relays the order to the service provider 1205 associatedwith the order and a vehicle 1204. The fleet management module 1201 mayemploy one or more vehicles 1204 or sub-fleet vehicles 1204 that areclosest to the service provider 1205, customer 1203, or both. Theassigned service provider then interacts with that vehicle 1204 througha service provider application to supply the vehicle 1204 with anygoods, maps, or instructions associated with the order. The vehicle 1204then travels to the customer 1203 and reports completion of the order toat least one of the customer 1203, the service provider 1205, thecentral server 1202, and the fleet management module 1201.

In some embodiments the vehicle 1204 may be operated on behalf of theservice provider 1205, wherein at least one of the central server 1202and the fleet management module 1201 is operated by the service provider1205. In any one of the embodiments, the vehicle 1204 is controlleddirectly by the customer 1203, the service provider 1205, or both. Insome embodiments, human interaction of the vehicle 1204 may be requiredto address maintenance issues such as mechanical failure, electricalfailure or a traffic accident.

In one example, the fleet management module 1201 receives an instructionfrom the service provider 1205 to collect an item at a first locationand deliver the item to a second location. Upon receipt of theinstruction, the fleet management module 1201 may assign one or more ofthe vehicles 1204 to perform the instruction by navigating the one ormore of the vehicles 1204 the first location. The one more of thevehicles 1204 may then confirm the receipt of the item and navigate tothe second location. The one more of the vehicles 1204 may then deliverthe item to the second location and confirm receipt of the delivery. Insome embodiments, the one more of the vehicles 1204 may further receivean identification associated with the first location, the secondlocation, or both, to enable receipt and delivery of the item.

In one example, a request by the customer 1203 is sent to the centralserver 1202, which then communicates with the fleet management module1201 to relay the request to the service provider 1205, which instructsthe vehicles 1204. The fleet management module 1201 may select one ormore of the vehicles 1204 within the geographic region and/or proximityof the customer 1203, the service provider 1205, or both. The vehicles1204 may be first directed to a location associated with the serviceprovider 1205 to receive an item associated with the request. Thevehicle 1204 may then travels to a location associated with the customer1203. The customer 1203 may then interacts with the one or more vehicle1204 to retrieve the item. The customer 1203 may retrieve the item byopening a compartment within the vehicle 1204. The customer 1203 mayopen the compartment within the vehicle 1204 through a customerapplication, or a customer interface comprising, for example, an RFIDreader, a touchpad, a keypad, a voice command, or a vision-basedrecognition. Upon completion the vehicles 1204 may then report acompletion of the request to the fleet management module 1201 and bereassigned to a subsequent request.

In some embodiments, the autonomous fleet may be strategicallypositioned throughout a geographic region in anticipation of a knowndemand. Demand for autonomous vehicle services may be predicted bystoring historical demand data relating to the quantity, timing, andtype of request received in each region. Such demand predictions mayfurther be weighted by the cost or importance of the good or service andemploy historical trends for higher efficiency and throughput. As such,the fleet management module may position the autonomous vehicles asclose as possible to the expected source locations.

Per FIG. 13, the fleet management module 1301 instructs the processor1303 of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle via a communicationmodule 1302. The processor 1303 may be configured to send an instructionand receive a sensed data from the sensor system 1306, and may furthercontrol at least one of the power system 1307, the navigation module1305, and the conveyance system 1304. The processor 1303 mayadditionally be configured to instruct a controller 1308 to open asecurable compartment 1309 to release any contents associated with anorder. The processor 1303 may allow manual override of the conveyancesystem 1304, the navigational system 1305, or both.

In some embodiments, the processor 1303 is in functional communicationwith the communication module 1302. In some embodiments, thecommunication module 1302 is adapted to receive, store, and/or transmitdata to and from the customer and the fleet management module 1301. Insome embodiments, the data comprises a schedule, a request or order, acurrent location, a delivery location, a service provider location, aroute, an estimated time of arrival (ETA), a repositioning instruction,a vehicle condition, a vehicle speed, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the processor 1303 is capable of both high-levelcomputing for processing as well as low-level safety-critical computingcapacity for controlling the hardware. The processor 1303 may configuredto direct the conveyance system 1304, the navigation module 1305, thesensor system 1306, the power system 1307, the controller 1308, or anycombination thereof. The processor 1303 may reside aboard the autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle, or at a remote location.

In some embodiments, the communication module 1302 is configured toreceive, store and transmit data via wireless transmission (e.g., 4G,5G, or satellite communications). In some embodiments, the wirelesstransmission occurs via: a central server, a fleet management module, amesh network, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thecustomer application is configured to send and receive data via anelectronic device comprising a phone, a personal mobile device, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a mainframe computer, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and/or wearablecomputing device comprising: a communication headset, smart glasses, ora combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the fleet management module 1301 directs each ofthe vehicles 1204 through a navigation module 1305. In some embodiments,the navigation module 1305 controls the conveyance system 1304 totranslate the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle through theunstructured open or closed environments. In some embodiments, thenavigation module 1305 comprises an HD maps, a weather condition, anelevation map, a digital map, a street view photograph, a GPS point, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the map is generated by acustomer, a customer, a service provider, a fleet operator, an onlinerepository, a public database, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the map is generated only for intended operationalgeography. The maps may be augmented or confirmed by data obtained bythe sensor system 1306. The navigation module 1305 may further implementdata collected by the sensor system 1306 to determine the locationand/or the surroundings of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. Insome embodiments, the map further comprises a navigation markercomprising a lane, a road sign, an intersection, a grade, or anycombination thereof. As such the navigation module 1305, in combinationwith processors and/or applications vehicles 1204 enable a safe, robustnavigation trajectory.

In some embodiments, the fleet management module 1301 is configured todetermine and predict a geographic demand for the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles for strategic placement throughout a geographicregion in anticipation of a known demand. The fleet management module1301 may determine and predict a geographic demand by storing datarelating the location, quantity, time, price, item, item type, service,service type, service provider, or any combination thereof of placedorders and requests. Further, the service provider may provideindependently measured trends to supplement or augment the measuredtrends. As such, the vehicles may be strategically placed to reducetransit and idle time and to increase sales volume and efficiency.

Vehicle Configured to Receive a Modular Unit

Provided herein, per FIGS. 17 to 18, is an autonomous or semi-autonomousland vehicle 101 configured to receive a modular unit 1810, the vehicle101 comprising: an energy storage device 1760; a communication device1750; an autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system 130; avehicle interior fastener 1740; a non-transitory computer-readablestorage media; and at least one of: a vehicle power port 1702; vehicledata port 1701; a vehicle cooling/heating port 1703; and a vehicleexhaust port 1704.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 is configured to receive two ormore modular units 1810. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 isconfigured to receive 3 to 50 modular units 1810. In some embodiments,the vehicle 101 is configured to receive 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30,40, 50 or more modular units 1810 or increments therein. In someembodiments, per FIG. 18, the modular unit 1810 is configured to securea consumer product 1820. In some embodiments, the consumer product 1820comprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronics item, a clothingitem, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101comprises an interior compartment 102, and wherein the vehicle interiorfastener 1740 is configured to reversibly affix the modular unit 1810within the interior compartment 102. In some embodiments, the vehicle101 further comprises a permanently fixed modular unit. The permanentlyfixed modular unit may comprise a shelf, a display, an input device, orany combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastener 1740 is configured toreversibly affix the modular unit 1810 to the vehicle 101. In someembodiments, the vehicle interior fastener 1740 comprises a hook, aring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, a bolt, a nut, abearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, a magnet, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 furthercomprises a plurality of vehicle interior fasteners 1740, the pluralityof vehicle interior fasteners 1740 comprising a first vehicle interiorfastener 1740 configured to reversibly affix a first type of modularunit 1810 and a second vehicle interior fastener configured toreversibly affix a second type of modular unit. In some embodiments, thevehicle interior fastener 1740 comprises at least one of the vehiclepower port 1702, the vehicle data port 1701, the vehicle cooling/heatingport 1703, and the vehicle exhaust port 1704. In some embodiments, thevehicle 101 further comprises a lock configured to prevent unauthorizedremoval of the modular unit 1810 from the vehicle 101. In someembodiments, the vehicle interior fastener 1740 comprises the lock.

The vehicle power port 1702 may be configured to transmit power from theenergy storage device 1760 to the modular unit. In some embodiments, thevehicle power port 1702 comprises a plug, a socket, a connector, a wire,a cable, a wireless power connector, or any combination thereof. Thevehicle data port 1701 may communicatively connect the modular unit 1810and the transmission module. In some embodiments, the vehicle data port1701 comprises a plug, a socket, a connector, a wire, a cable, awireless connector, a Bluetooth connector, or any combination thereof.The vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 may be configured to heat themodular unit 1810, cool the modular unit 1810, or both. The vehiclecooling/heating port 1703 may be alternatively or further configuredchange the condition of air within the modular unit 1810 in temperatureof any degree and in any direction. In some embodiments, vehiclecooling/heating port 1703 may also be configured to alter a humidity orany other quality of the air within the modular unit 1810. In someembodiments, the vehicle 101 further comprises a temperature controlsystem configured to provide heat to the modular unit 1810, cool themodular unit 1810, or both. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 furthercomprises a humidifier configured to alter an air quality within themodular unit 1810. The vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 may comprise apush to connect connector, a quick connector, a jack, a fitting, a duct,or any combination thereof. The vehicle exhaust port 1704 may beconfigured to receive an exhaust from the modular unit 1810. The vehicleair exhaust port 1704 may comprise a push to connect connector, a quickconnector, a jack, a fitting, a duct, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the vehicle 101 comprises two or more of the vehicleinterior fastener 1740, the non-transitory computer-readable storagemedia, and at least one of: the vehicle power port 1702, vehicle dataport 1701, the vehicle cooling/heating port 1703, or the vehicle exhaustport 1704. In some embodiments, the temperature control system isdisposed away from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the non-transitory media is encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising a navigation module and a transmission module. Insome embodiments, the navigation module receives at least a location viathe communication device 1750 and directing the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system 130 based at least on thelocation. In some embodiments, the transmission module transmits anoutput data, receiving an input data, or both, via the communicationdevice 1750, to a command center. In some embodiments, the input datacomprises a modular unit 1810 temperature target, a modular unit 1810display data, a modular unit 1810 indicator data, a modular unit 1810access data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outputdata comprises a presence of a consumer product 1820 secured by themodular unit, a modular unit 1810 access status, a current modular unit1810 temperature, a modular unit 1810 stock, a modular unit 1810 type,or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1750 comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a cellularcommunication device, a satellite communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle data port 1701comprises a wired data interface, a Wi-Fi communication device, aBluetooth communication device, a cellular communication device, or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments the vehicle 101 further comprises a sensor 1730. Insome embodiments, the sensor 1730 comprises a camera, a video camera, aLiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a radiation sensor, a chemical sensor, alight sensor, a tactile sensor, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the sensor 1730 is configured to measure a sensed datacorresponding to the modular unit. In some embodiments, the vehicle dataport 1701 receives data from the sensor 1730.

Modular Units

Another aspect provided herein, per FIGS. 19A to 19D is a modular unit1810 a 1810 b configured to be removably disposed within an autonomousor semi-autonomous land vehicle comprising: a modular unit fastener 1940and at least one of: a modular unit power port 1902; a modular unit dataport 1901; a modular unit cooling/heating port 1903; and a modular unitexhaust port 1904.

The modular unit fastener 1940 may be configured to reversibly attach tothe vehicle. The modular unit power port 1902 may be configured toreceive power from the vehicle. The modular unit data port 1901 may beconfigured to receive an input data from the vehicle, transmit an outputdata to the vehicle, or both. The modular unit cooling/heating port 1903may be configured to receive heat from the vehicle, receive cooling fromthe vehicle, or both. The modular unit exhaust port 1904 may beconfigured to emit an exhaust to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the modular unit fastener 1940 comprises a hook, aring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, a bolt, a nut, abearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, a magnet, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit fastener 1940comprises at least one of the modular unit power port 1902, the modularunit data port 1901, the modular unit cooling/heating port 1903, and themodular unit exhaust port 1904.

In some embodiments, the modular unit power port 1902 comprises a jack,an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wireless power transfer unit, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit data port1901 comprises a jack, an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wired datainterface, a Wi-Fi communication device, a Bluetooth communicationdevice, a cellular communication device, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 1810 is configured to secure aconsumer product. In some embodiments, the consumer product 1820comprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronics item, a clothingitem, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the modular unit1810 further comprises a modular unit sensor. In some embodiments, themodular unit sensor comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, aRADAR, a microphone, a radiation modular unit sensor, a chemical modularunit sensor, a light modular unit sensor, a tactile modular unit sensor,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit sensoris configured to measure a sensed data corresponding to the consumerproduct 1820. In some embodiments, the modular unit data port 1901receives data from the modular unit sensor. In some embodiments, themodular unit 1810 further comprises a lock configured to secure thecontents therein.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show front perspective views of an exemplary firstmodular unit 1810 a comprising a shelf. In some embodiments, the firstmodular unit 1810 a may not comprise at least one of the modular unitpower port 1902, the modular unit data port 1901, the modular unitcooling/heating port 1903, and the modular unit exhaust port 1904. FIGS.19C and 19D show front perspective views of an exemplary second modularunit 1810 b comprising a locker modular unit 1810 b.

Systems Comprising a Vehicle and a Modular Unit

Provided herein, per FIGS. 17 to 19, is a system comprising anautonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 101 and a modular unit 1810.

In some embodiments, per FIG. 17, the vehicle 101 comprises an energystorage device 1760. The energy storage device may comprise a battery, acapacitor, a supercapacitor, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the vehicle comprises a communication device 1750, anautonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system 130, a vehicleinterior fastener 1740, a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedia, and at least one of: a vehicle power port 1702; vehicle data port1701; a vehicle cooling/heating port 1703; and a vehicle exhaust port1704. In some embodiments, the vehicle interior fastener 1740 comprisesa hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar, a spring, a rail, a slide, a bolt, anut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, a clip, a chain, a rack, a magnet, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle interiorfastener 1740 comprises at least one of the vehicle power port 1702, thevehicle data port 1701, the vehicle cooling/heating port 1703, and thevehicle exhaust port 1704. In some embodiments, the vehicle furthercomprises a plurality of vehicle interior fasteners 1740, the pluralityof vehicle interior fasteners 1740 comprising a first vehicle interiorfastener configured to reversibly affix a first type of modular unit anda second vehicle interior fastener configured to reversibly affix asecond type of modular unit.

In some embodiments, the non-transitory media is encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising a navigation module and a transmission module. Insome embodiments, the navigation module receives at least a location viathe communication device 1750 and directing the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system 130 based at least on thelocation. In some embodiments, the transmission module transmits anoutput data, receiving an input data, or both, via the communicationdevice 1750, to a command center. In some embodiments, the input datacomprises a modular unit temperature target, a modular unit displaydata, a modular unit indicator data, a modular unit access data, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the output data comprises apresence of a consumer product 1820 secured by the modular unit, amodular unit access status, a current modular unit temperature, amodular unit stock, a modular unit type, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1750 comprises a Wi-Ficommunication device, a Bluetooth communication device, a cellularcommunication device, a satellite communication device, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle data port 1701comprises a wired data interface, a Wi-Fi communication device, aBluetooth communication device, a cellular communication device, or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments the vehicle 101 further comprises a sensor 1730. Insome embodiments, the sensor 1730 comprises a camera, a video camera, aLiDAR, a RADAR, a microphone, a radiation sensor, a chemical sensor, alight sensor, a tactile sensor, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the sensor 1730 is configured to measure a sensed datacorresponding to the modular unit. In some embodiments, the vehicle dataport 1701 receives data from the sensor 1730.

In some embodiments, per FIG. 18, the vehicle 101 is configured toreceive two or more modular units 1810. In some embodiments, the vehicleis configured to receive 3 to 25 modular units 1810. In someembodiments, per FIG. 18, the modular unit 1810 a 1810 b is configuredto secure a consumer product. In some embodiments, the consumer productcomprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronics item, a clothingitem, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehiclecomprises an interior compartment, and wherein the vehicle interiorfastener 1740 is configured to reversibly affix the modular unit 1810within the interior compartment. In some embodiments, the vehicleinterior fastener 1740 is configured to reversibly affix the modularunit 1810 a 1810 b to the vehicle 101. In some embodiments, the vehicle101 further comprises a lock configured to prevent unauthorized removalof the modular unit 1810 a 1810 b from the vehicle 101. In someembodiments, the vehicle interior fastener 1740 comprises the lock. Insome embodiments, the vehicle 101 further comprises a permanently fixedmodular unit 1810. The permanently fixed modular unit 1810 may comprisea shelf, a display, an input device, or any combination thereof.

The vehicle power port 1702 may be configured to transmit power from theenergy storage device 1760 to the modular unit 1810. The vehicle dataport 1701 may communicatively connect the modular unit 1810 and thetransmission module. The vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 may beconfigured to heat the modular unit 1810, cool the modular unit 1810, orboth. The vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 may be alternatively orfurther configured change the condition of air within the modular unit1810 in temperature of any degree and in any direction. In someembodiments, vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 may also be configured toalter a humidity or any other quality of the air within the modular unit1810. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 further comprises atemperature control system configured to provide heat the modular unit1810, cool the modular unit 1810, or both. In some embodiments, thevehicle 101 further comprises a humidifier configured to alter an airquality within the modular unit 1810. The vehicle exhaust port 1704 maybe configured to receive an exhaust from the modular unit. In someembodiments, the vehicle 101 comprises two or more of the vehicleinterior fasteners 1740, the non-transitory computer-readable storagemedia, and at least one of: the vehicle power port 1702, vehicle dataport 1701, the vehicle cooling/heating port 1703, or the vehicle exhaustport 1704.

The modular unit 1810 may be configured to be removably disposed withinan autonomous or semi-autonomous land vehicle 101 and may comprise: amodular unit fastener 1940 and at least one of: a modular unit powerport 1902; a modular unit data port 1901; a modular unit cooling/heatingport 1903; and a modular unit exhaust port 1904. In some embodiments,the modular unit fastener 1940 comprises a hook, a ring, a shelf, a bar,a spring, a rail, a slide, a bolt, a nut, a bearing, a bushing, a tie, aclip, a chain, a rack, a magnet, or any combination thereof.

In referring to FIGS. 19A-19D, the modular unit power port 1902 may beconfigured to receive power from the vehicle 101. The modular unit dataport 1901 may be configured to receive an input data from the vehicle101, transmit an output data to the vehicle 101, or both. The modularunit cooling/heating port 1903 may be configured to receive heat fromthe vehicle 101, receive cooling from the vehicle 101, or both. Themodular unit exhaust port 1904 may be configured to emit an exhaust tothe vehicle 101.

In some embodiments, the vehicle power port 1702 is configured toconnect to the modular unit power port 1902. In some embodiments, thevehicle data port 1701 is configured to connect to the modular unitcooling/heating port 1903. In some embodiments, the vehiclecooling/heating port 1703 is configured to connect to the modular unitdata port 1901. In some embodiments, the vehicle exhaust port 1704 isconfigured to connect to the modular unit exhaust port 1904.

In some embodiments, the vehicle power port 1702 and the modular unitpower port 1902 are configured to transfer power from the vehicle 101 toa display, an indicator, a light, a speaker, a temperature controlsystem, a heater, or any combination thereof within the modular unit1810. In some embodiments, the vehicle data port 1701 and the modularunit data port 1901 are configured to transfer data from the vehicle 101to a display, an indicator, a light, a speaker, a sensor, a thermometer,or any combination thereof within the modular unit 1810. In someembodiments, the vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 and the modular unitcooling/heating port 1903 are configured to transfer heat or cold fromthe vehicle 101 to maintain a set temperature within the modular unit1810. In some embodiments, the vehicle air exhaust port 1704 and themodular unit exhaust port 1904 are configured to transfer exhaust fromthe modular unit 1810 emitted by any component within the modular unit1810. In one example, the vehicle air exhaust port 1704 and the modularunit exhaust port 1904 are configured to transfer gaseous exhaustcomprising an odor to the vehicle 101 to prevent cross-contamination ofsmells or vapors between objects within the modular unit 1810, orbetween the one or more modular units 1810.

In some embodiments, the vehicle power port 1702 and the modular unitpower port 1902 comprise a plug, a socket, a connector, a wire, a cable,a wireless power connector, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the vehicle data port 1701 and the modular unit data port1901 comprise a plug, a socket, a connector, a wire, a cable, a wirelessconnector, a Bluetooth connector, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, vehicle cooling/heating port 1703 and the modular unitcooling/heating port 1903 comprise a push to connect connector, a quickconnector, a jack, a fitting, a duct, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the vehicle air exhaust port 1704 and the modular unitexhaust port 1904 comprise a push to connect connector, a quickconnector, a jack, a fitting, a duct, or any combination thereof.

The modular unit fastener 1940 may be configured to reversibly attach tothe vehicle 101. In some embodiments, the modular unit fastener 1940comprises at least one of the modular unit power port 1902, the modularunit data port 1901, the modular unit cooling/heating port 1903, and themodular unit exhaust port 1904.

In some embodiments, the modular unit power port 1902 comprises a jack,an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wireless power transfer unit, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit data port1901 comprises a jack, an outlet, a cord, a cable, a wired datainterface, a Wi-Fi communication device, a Bluetooth communicationdevice, a cellular communication device, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 1810 is configured to secure aconsumer product 1820. In some embodiments, the consumer product 1820comprises a food item, a beverage item, an electronics item, a clothingitem, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the modular unit1810 further comprises a modular unit sensor. In some embodiments, themodular unit sensor comprises a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, aRADAR, a microphone, a radiation modular unit sensor, a chemical modularunit sensor, a light modular unit sensor, a tactile modular unit sensor,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular unit sensoris configured to measure a sensed data corresponding to the consumerproduct 1820. In some embodiments, the modular unit data port 1901receives data from the modular unit sensor.

Operating Environments

The autonomous vehicles in the fleet may be configured to operate withina variety of unstructured open operating environments to enable serviceto a broad range of locations. In some embodiments, the unstructuredopen environment is a non-confined geographic region accessible bynavigable pathways comprising: public roads; private roads; bike paths;open fields, open public lands, open private lands, pedestrian walkways,lakes, rivers, or streams. In some embodiments, the closed environmentis a confined, enclosed, or semi-enclosed structure accessible bynavigable pathways comprising: open areas or rooms within commercialarchitecture, with or without structures or obstacles therein; airspacewithin open areas or rooms within commercial architecture, with orwithout structures or obstacles therein; public or dedicated aisles;hallways; tunnels; ramps; elevators; conveyors; or pedestrian walkways.In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedairspace or even near-space environment which includes all main layersof the Earth's atmosphere comprising the troposphere, the stratosphere,the mesosphere, the thermosphere and the exosphere. In some embodiments,the navigation module controls routing of the conveyance system of thevehicles in the fleet in the unstructured open or closed environments.

Goods and Services

In some embodiments, the user comprises a fleet manager, asub-contracting vendor, a service provider, a customer, a businessentity, an individual, or a third party. In some embodiments, theservices comprises a subscription service, a prescription service, amarketing service, an advertising service, a notification service, arequested service, an ordered service, a scheduled delivery service, orany combination thereof. For example, the scheduled delivery servicesmay include special repeat deliveries such as groceries, prescriptions,drinks, mail, documents, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the services alternatively or further comprise areturn of a good (e.g., a signed document), receiving one set of goodsand returning a different set of goods (e.g., productreplacement/returns, groceries, merchandise, books, recording, videos,movies, payment transactions, etc.), or a third party user providinginstruction and or authorization to a goods or service provider toprepare, transport, deliver and/or retrieve goods to a principle user ina different location. In some embodiments, the services further oralternatively comprise: advertising services, land survey services,patrol services, monitoring services, traffic survey services, signageand signal survey services, architectural building, or roadinfrastructure survey services.

In some embodiments, the service further or alternatively comprisesprocessing or manufacturing a good. In some embodiments, the autonomousvehicle is configured to process or manufacture the good in-transit. Insome embodiments, the processed or manufactured good comprises: abeverage with or without condiments (such as coffee, tea, carbonateddrinks, etc.), a fast food, a microwavable food, a reheatable food, or arehydratable food. In some embodiments, the service comprises afinancial transaction. In some embodiments, the service comprisesadvertising, marketing, public safety, public service, or anycombination thereof.

Digital Processing Device

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdescribed herein include a digital processing device, or use of thesame. In further embodiments, the digital processing device includes oneor more hardware central processing units (CPUs) or general purposegraphics processing units (GPGPUs) that carry out the device'sfunctions. In still further embodiments, the digital processing devicefurther comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions. In some embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected a computer network. In further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to the Internet suchthat it accesses the World Wide Web. In still further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to a cloud computinginfrastructure. In other embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected to an intranet. In other embodiments, the digitalprocessing device is optionally connected to a data storage device.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers, andmedia streaming devices, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobilesmartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, video gameconsoles, and vehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize thatmany smartphones are suitable for use in the system described herein.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that select televisions,video players, and digital music players with optional computer networkconnectivity are suitable for use in the system described herein.Suitable tablet computers include those with booklet, slate, andconvertible configurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®. Those of skill in the art will also recognizethat suitable media streaming device operating systems include, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple TV®, Roku®, Boxee®, Google TV®, GoogleChromecast®, Amazon Fire®, and Samsung® HomeSync®. Those of skill in theart will also recognize that suitable video game console operatingsystems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Sony® PS3®, Sony®PS4®, Microsoft® Xbox 360®, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo® Wii®,Nintendo® Wii U®, and Ouya®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatusesused to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. Insome embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In further embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Insome embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In otherembodiments, the device is a storage device including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magneticdisk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloudcomputing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/ormemory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosedherein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is aliquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is athin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In someembodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED)display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is apassive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. Insome embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In other embodiments,the display is a video projector. In yet other embodiments, the displayis a head-mounted display in communication with the digital processingdevice, such as a VR headset. In further embodiments, suitable VRheadsets include, by way of non-limiting examples, HTC Vive, OculusRift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR, FOVE VR, Zeiss VROne, Avegant Glyph, Freefly VR headset, and the like. In still furtherembodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as thosedisclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an inputdevice to receive information from a user. In some embodiments, theinput device is a keyboard. In some embodiments, the input device is apointing device including, by way of non-limiting examples, a mouse,trackball, track pad, joystick, game controller, or stylus. In someembodiments, the input device is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen.In other embodiments, the input device is a microphone to capture voiceor other sound input. In other embodiments, the input device is a videocamera or other sensor to capture motion or visual input. In furtherembodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. Instill further embodiments, the input device is a combination of devicessuch as those disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a particular embodiment, a digital processingdevice 1401 is programmed or otherwise configured to managing autonomousvehicles. The device 1401 is programmed or otherwise configured tomanage autonomous vehicles. In this embodiment, the digital processingdevice 1401 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor”and “computer processor” herein) 1405, which is optionally a singlecore, a multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallelprocessing. The digital processing device 1401 also includes memory ormemory location 1410 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory,flash memory), electronic storage unit 1415 (e.g., hard disk),communication interface 1420 (e.g., network adapter) for communicatingwith one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1425, such ascache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters.The memory 1410, storage unit 1415, interface 1420 and peripheraldevices 1425 are in communication with the CPU 1405 through acommunication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit1415 comprises a data storage unit (or data repository) for storingdata. The digital processing device 1401 is optionally operativelycoupled to a computer network (“network”) 1430 with the aid of thecommunication interface 1420. The network 1430, in various cases, is theinternet, an internet, and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranetthat is in communication with the internet. The network 1430, in somecases, is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 1430optionally includes one or more computer servers, which enabledistributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1430, insome cases, with the aid of the device 1401, implements a peer-to-peernetwork, which enables devices coupled to the device 1401 to behave as aclient or a server.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the CPU 1405 is configured to execute asequence of machine-readable instructions, embodied in a program,application, and/or software. The instructions are optionally stored ina memory location, such as the memory 1410. The instructions aredirected to the CPU 105, which subsequently program or otherwiseconfigure the CPU 1405 to implement methods of the present disclosure.Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1405 include fetch, decode,execute, and write back. The CPU 1405 is, in some cases, part of acircuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components ofthe device 1401 are optionally included in the circuit. In some cases,the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or afield programmable gate array (FPGA).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the storage unit 1415 optionally storesfiles, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit1415 optionally stores user data, e.g., user preferences and userprograms. The digital processing device 1401, in some cases, includesone or more additional data storage units that are external, such aslocated on a remote server that is in communication through an intranetor the internet.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the digital processing device 1401optionally communicates with one or more remote computer systems throughthe network 1430. For instance, the device 1401 optionally communicateswith a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computersystems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tabletPCs (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab, etc.), smartphones (e.g.,Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®, etc.), or personaldigital assistants.

Methods as described herein are optionally implemented by way of machine(e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronicstorage location of the digital processing device 101, such as, forexample, on the memory 1410 or electronic storage unit 1415. The machineexecutable or machine readable code is optionally provided in the formof software. During use, the code is executed by the processor 1405. Insome cases, the code is retrieved from the storage unit 1415 and storedon the memory 1410 for ready access by the processor 1405. In somesituations, the electronic storage unit 1415 is precluded, andmachine-executable instructions are stored on the memory 1410.

Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media encoded with a program including instructions executableby the operating system of an optionally networked digital processingdevice. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is atangible component of a digital processing device. In still furtherembodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removablefrom a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a computerreadable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples,CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic diskdrives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, cloud computingsystems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program andinstructions are permanently, substantially permanently,semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.

Computer Program

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include at least one computer program, or use of thesame. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executablein the digital processing device's CPU, written to perform a specifiedtask. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as programmodules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces(APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosureprovided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that acomputer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages.

The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combinedor distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments,a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In someembodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences ofinstructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided fromone location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided froma plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer programincludes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, acomputer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more webapplications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standaloneapplications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, oradd-ons, or combinations thereof.

Web Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. Inlight of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes oneor more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In someembodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework suchas Microsoft .NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a webapplication utilizes one or more database systems including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments, suitablerelational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the artwill also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, iswritten in one or more versions of one or more languages. A webapplication may be written in one or more markup languages, presentationdefinition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-sidecoding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in amarkup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in apresentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Flash® ActionScript, JavaScript, or Silverlight. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aserver-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP),ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a databasequery language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In someembodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server productssuch as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web applicationincludes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a mediaplayer element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimediatechnologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®,HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.

Referring to FIG. 15, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system comprises one or more databases 1500 accessed by arelational database management system (RDBMS) 1510. Suitable RDBMSsinclude Firebird, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle Database, MicrosoftSQL Server, IBM DB2, IBM Informix, SAP Sybase, SAP Sybase, Teradata, andthe like. In this embodiment, the application provision system furthercomprises one or more application severs 1520 (such as Java servers,.NET servers, PHP servers, and the like) and one or more web servers1530 (such as Apache, IIS, GWS and the like). The web server(s)optionally expose one or more web services via app applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) 1540. Via a network, such as the internet,the system provides browser-based and/or mobile native user interfaces.

Referring to FIG. 16, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system alternatively has a distributed, cloud-basedarchitecture 1600 and comprises elastically load balanced, auto-scalingweb server resources 1610, and application server resources 1620 as wellsynchronously replicated databases 1630.

Mobile Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile applicationprovided to a mobile digital processing device. In some embodiments, themobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device atthe time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobileapplication is provided to a mobile digital processing device via thecomputer network described herein.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, a mobile application iscreated by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware,languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skillin the art will recognize that mobile applications are written inseveral languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, Javascript,Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML withor without CSS, or combinations thereof.

Suitable mobile application development environments are available fromseveral sources. Commercially available development environmentsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo,Appcelerator®, Celsius, Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework,Rhomobile, and WorkLight Mobile Platform. Other development environmentsare available without cost including, by way of non-limiting examples,Lazarus, MobiFlex, MoSync, and Phonegap. Also, mobile devicemanufacturers distribute software developer kits including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, iPhone and iPad (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK,BlackBerryx SDK, BREW SDK, Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, andWindows® Mobile SDK.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forumsare available for distribution of mobile applications including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Google® Play, Chrome WebStore, BlackBerry® App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalogfor webOS, Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia®devices, Samsung® Apps, and Nintendo® DSi Shop.

Standalone Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g., not a plug-in.Those of skill in the art will recognize that standalone applicationsare often compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transformssource code written in a programming language into binary object codesuch as assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programminglanguages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Python™, Visual Basic, and VB.NET,or combinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least inpart, to create an executable program. In some embodiments, a computerprogram includes one or more executable complied applications.

Web Browser Plug-in

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web browser plug-in(e.g., extension, etc.). In computing, a plug-in is one or more softwarecomponents that add specific functionality to a larger softwareapplication. Makers of software applications support plug-ins to enablethird-party developers to create abilities which extend an application,to support easily adding new features, and to reduce the size of anapplication. When supported, plug-ins enable customizing thefunctionality of a software application. For example, plug-ins arecommonly used in web browsers to play video, generate interactivity,scan for viruses, and display particular file types. Those of skill inthe art will be familiar with several web browser plug-ins including,Adobe® Flash® Player, Microsoft® Silverlight®, and Apple® QuickTime®.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several plug-in frameworks are available that enabledevelopment of plug-ins in various programming languages, including, byway of non-limiting examples, C++, Delphi, Java™, PHP, Python™, andVB.NET, or combinations thereof.

Web browsers (also called Internet browsers) are software applications,designed for use with network-connected digital processing devices, forretrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on theWorld Wide Web. Suitable web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google®Chrome, Apple® Safari®, Opera Software® Opera®, and KDE Konqueror. Insome embodiments, the web browser is a mobile web browser. Mobile webbrowsers (also called microbrowsers, mini-browsers, and wirelessbrowsers) are designed for use on mobile digital processing devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, handheld computers, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, subnotebook computers, smartphones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video gamesystems. Suitable mobile web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Google® Android® browser, RIM BlackBerry® Browser, Apple®Safari®, Palm® Blazer, Palm® WebOS® Browser, Mozilla® Firefox® formobile, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Mobile, Amazon® Kindle® Basic Web,Nokia® Browser, Opera Software® Opera® Mobile, and Sony® PSP™ browser.

Software Modules

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, oruse of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, softwaremodules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the artusing machines, software, and languages known to the art. The softwaremodules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. Invarious embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section ofcode, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises aplurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality ofprogramming objects, a plurality of programming structures, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more softwaremodules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, amobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments,software modules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program orapplication. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on onemachine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more thanone machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted oncloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

Databases

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. Inview of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that many databases are suitable for autonomous vehicles. Invarious embodiments, suitable databases include, by way of non-limitingexamples, relational databases, non-relational databases, objectoriented databases, object databases, entity-relationship modeldatabases, associative databases, and XML databases. Furthernon-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, DB2, andSybase. In some embodiments, a database is internet-based. In furtherembodiments, a database is web-based. In still further embodiments, adatabase is cloud computing-based. In other embodiments, a database isbased on one or more local computer storage devices.

Terms and Definitions

As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or”are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “oneor more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

As used herein, the terms “fleet,” “sub-fleet,” and like terms are usedto indicate a number of land vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft operatingtogether or under the same ownership. In some embodiments the fleet orsub-fleet is engaged in the same activity. In some embodiments, thefleet or sub-fleet are engaged in similar activities. In someembodiments, the fleet, or sub-fleet are engaged in differentactivities.

As used herein, the terms “autonomous vehicle,” “vehicle fleet,”“vehicle,” “all-terrain vehicle,” and like terms are used to indicate amobile machine that transports cargo. Typical vehicles include cars,wagons, vans, unmanned motor vehicles (e.g., tricycles, trucks,trailers, buses, etc.), unmanned railed vehicles (e.g., trains, trams,etc.), unmanned watercraft (e.g., ships, boats, ferries, landing craft,barges, rafts, etc.), aerial drones, unmanned hovercraft (air, land andwater types), unmanned aircraft, and even including unmanned spacecraft.

As used herein, the terms “user,” “operator,” “fleet operator,” and liketerms are used to indicate the entity that owns or is responsible formanaging and operating the vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the term “customer” and like terms are used to indicatethe entity that requests the services provided the vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “provider,” “business,” “vendor,” “third partyvendor,” and like terms are used to indicate an entity that works inconcert with the fleet owner or operator to utilize the services of thevehicle fleet to deliver the provider's product from and or return theprovider's product to the provider's place of business or staginglocation.

As used herein, the terms “server,” “computer server,” “central server,”“main server,” and like terms are used to indicate a computer or deviceon a network that manages the fleet resources, namely the autonomousvehicles.

As used herein, the term “controller” and like terms are used toindicate a device that controls the transfer of data from a computer toa peripheral device and vice versa. For example, disk drives, displayscreens, keyboards, and printers all require controllers. In personalcomputers, the controllers are often single chips. As used herein thecontroller is commonly used for managing access to components of theautonomous vehicle such as the securable compartments.

As used herein a “mesh network” is a network topology in which each noderelays data for the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in thedistribution of data in the network. It may be applied to both wired andwireless networks. Wireless mesh networks may be considered a type of“Wireless ad hoc” network. Thus, wireless mesh networks are closelyrelated to Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Although MANETs are notrestricted to a specific mesh network topology, Wireless ad hoc networksor MANETs may take any form of network topology. Mesh networks may relaymessages using either a flooding technique or a routing technique. Withrouting, the message is propagated along a path by hopping from node tonode until it reaches its destination. To ensure that all its paths areavailable, the network must allow for continuous connections and mustreconfigure itself around broken paths, using self-healing algorithmssuch as Shortest Path Bridging. Self-healing allows a routing-basednetwork to operate when a node breaks down or when a connection becomesunreliable. As a result, the network is typically quite reliable, asthere is often more than one path between a source and a destination inthe network. This concept may also apply to wired networks and tosoftware interaction. A mesh network whose nodes are all connected toeach other is a fully connected network.

As used herein, the term “module” and like terms are used to indicate aself-contained hardware component of the central server, which in turncomprises software modules. In software, a module is a part of aprogram. Programs are composed of one or more independently developedmodules that are not combined until the program is linked. A singlemodule may contain one or several routines, or sections of programs thatperform a particular task. As used herein the fleet management modulecomprises software modules for managing various aspects and functions ofthe vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “processor,” “digital processing device,” andlike terms are used to indicate a microprocessor or central processingunit (CPU). The CPU is the electronic circuitry within a computer thatcarries out the instructions of a computer program by performing thebasic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operationsspecified by the instructions.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers,handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile smartphones, tabletcomputers, personal digital assistants, video game consoles, andvehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many smartphonesare suitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tabletcomputers include those with booklet, slate, and convertibleconfigurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server Oracle®Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatus usedto store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In someembodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In someembodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In some embodiments,the device is a storage device including, by way of non-limitingexamples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk drives,magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud computing basedstorage. In some embodiments, the storage and/or memory device is acombination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is acathode ray tube (CRT). In some embodiments, the display is a liquidcrystal display (LCD). In some embodiments, the display is a thin filmtransistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, thedisplay is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In varioussome embodiments, on OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) oractive-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In some embodiments, the display isa plasma display. In some embodiments, the display is a video projector.In some embodiments, the display is interactive (e.g., having a touchscreen or a sensor such as a camera, a 3D sensor, a LiDAR, a radar,etc.) that may detect user interactions/gestures/responses and the like.In still some embodiments, the display is a combination of devices suchas those disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclecomprising: a processor; an energy storage source; a communicationdevice; an autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system; anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by the processor to create anapplication comprising: A) a navigation module receiving at least alocation via the communication device and directing the autonomous orsemi-autonomous land propulsion system based at least on the location,and B) a transmission module transmitting an output data, receiving aninput data, or both, via the communication device, to a command center;and at least one modular unit receptacle, the modular unit receptacleconfigured to receive one or more modular units, the one or more modularunits including at least one selected from a group including a firstremovable modular unit and a second removable modular unit, the firstremovable modular unit including a first modular unit fastener and afirst modular unit port, the second removable modular unit including asecond modular unit fastener and a second modular unit port, the modularunit receptacle including A) a plurality of vehicle ports configured toconnect to the one or more modular units, and B) at least one vehiclefastener configured to reversibly affix the one or more modular units tothe vehicle.
 2. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim 1wherein the modular unit receptacle receives at least one selected fromthe group including the first removable modular unit and the secondremovable modular unit, the first modular unit port operably coupling tothe plurality of vehicle ports when the modular unit receptacle receivesthe first removable modular unit, the second removable modular unit portoperably coupling to the plurality of vehicle ports when the modularunit receptacle receives the second removable modular unit, and whereinthe at least one vehicle fastener operably couples with the firstmodular unit fastener to reversibly affix the first modular unit to thevehicle and with the second modular unit fastener to reversibly affixthe second modular unit to the vehicle.
 3. The autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle of claim 3 wherein the modular unit receptacleis configured to transfer a gaseous exhaust from the at least oneselected from the group including the first removable modular unit andthe second removable modular unit.
 4. The autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle of claim 1 wherein the modular unit receptacle is configured totransfer a gaseous exhaust.
 5. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicleof claim 1 wherein the first removable modular unit is a locker modularunit.
 6. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim 1 whereinthe first modular unit includes at least one selected from a groupincluding a display, an indicator, a light, a speaker, and a sensor. 7.The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim 6 the plurality ofvehicle ports includes a first vehicle data port and the first modularunit port is a first modular unit data port, the first vehicle data portand the first modular unit data port being configured to transfer datafrom the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to at least one selectedfrom the group including the display, the indicator, the light, thespeaker, the sensor, and the thermometer.
 8. An autonomous vehiclecomprising: an energy storage device; a communication device; apropulsion system, the propulsion system arranged to provide autonomouspropulsion, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encodedwith a computer program including instructions executable by a processorto create an application comprising A) a navigation module receiving atleast a location via the communication device and directing thepropulsion system based at least on the location, and B) a transmissionmodule transmitting an output data to a command center, receiving aninput data from the command center, or both, via the communicationdevice, and at least a first interior compartment, the first interiorcompartment configured to receive one or more modular units such thatthe one or modular units is removably disposed within the first interiorcompartment, the one or more modular units including at least oneselected from a group including a first removable modular unit and asecond removable modular unit, the first interior compartment includingat least one vehicle power port configured to transmit power from theenergy storage device to the one or more modular units and at least onevehicle data port configured to communicatively connect to the one ormore modular units.
 9. The autonomous vehicle of claim 8 furtherincluding a vehicle exhaust port.
 10. The autonomous vehicle of claim 8wherein the first interior compartment is configured to transfer heat orcold from the autonomous vehicle and to transfer a gaseous exhaust fromthe one or more modular units.
 11. The autonomous vehicle of claim 8wherein the first removable modular unit is a locker modular unit. 12.The autonomous vehicle of claim 8 further including: a humidifier, thehumidifier configured to alter an air quality within the one or moremodular units.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first one ormore modular units includes a vending device.
 14. An autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprising: a processor; an energy storagesource; a communication device; an autonomous or semi-autonomouspropulsion system; a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumencoded with a computer program including instructions executable by theprocessor to create an application comprising: A) a navigation modulereceiving at least a location via the communication device and directingthe autonomous or semi-autonomous land propulsion system based at leaston the location, and B) a transmission module transmitting an outputdata, receiving an input data, or both, via the communication device, toa command center; and at least one modular unit receptacle, the modularunit receptacle configured to receive one or more removable displaycases, the one or more removable display cases including at least oneselected from a group including a first display case and a seconddisplay case, the first display case including a first display fastenerand a first display port, the second display case including a seconddisplay fastener and a second display port, the modular unit receptacleincluding A) a plurality of vehicle ports configured to connect to theone or more removable display cases, and B) at least one vehiclefastener configured to reversibly affix the one or more removabledisplay cases to the vehicle.
 15. The autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle of claim 14 wherein the modular unit receptacle further includesan exhaust port.
 16. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim14 wherein the at least one vehicle fastener and the first displayfastener form a lock configured to prevent unauthorized removal of thefirst display case from the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. 17.The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim 14 wherein theplurality of vehicle ports includes a vehicle data port, the firstdisplay case includes a display screen, and the first display port is adata port, and wherein the vehicle data port is configured to enabledata transmission between the first display case and the transmissionmodule.
 18. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of claim 17wherein the display screen is configured to display a case media, thecase media including at least one selected from a group including anitem carried by the first display case and a target temperature withinthe first display case.